Rani Kanchan Mala and Other Stories

Runa Khan's 'Rani Kanchan Mala and Other Stories' brings together fairy tales she heard from old nannies and household storytellers during her childhood in Bengal. Now compiled in simplified English translation, these stories are common to both Bangladesh and West Bengal, with some versions appearing in Thakur Mas Jhuli compiled by D. M. Majumdar. Khan's retellings differ slightly, filtered through the many retellings these tales have undergone over generations. Like fairy tales everywhere, they explore love, jealousy, bravery, loyalty, nobility, meanness, compassion, and ultimately the triumph of truth and patience.

The stories are easy enough for young children to read independently, and they also work well as bedtime read-alouds. Khan, who won the Ashoka fellowship award in 1996 for her innovative teaching methods, has created educational books that emphasize critical thinking and self-directed learning. Her books are among the few government-approved textbooks for schools in Bangladesh and have been instrumental in significantly improving student performance.